Photo Credit: Indian Express
In a major breakthrough during IPL 2025 season, the Chandigarh Police have busted a high-tech illegal betting racket operating out of a rented accommodation in Sector 33. As the cricket frenzy gripped the nation, these bookies were busy cashing in — until a late-night raid by the Operations Cell brought their luck crashing down.
During the live IPL clash between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, police arrested five individuals: Hardeep Singh alias Jolly, Deepak alias Deepu Pepsi, Vishu, Santosh, and Bhuvan. Acting on a tip-off, the cops swooped in and found an elaborate betting setup that resembled a control room more than a home.
The accused had turned their rented property into a full-scale betting hub, complete with LED screens, laptops, 43 mobile phones, tablets, Wi-Fi routers, and a specialized gamble box — all used to track ball-by-ball outcomes and collect bets in real time. Their network extended across regions, with local punters placing bets on match outcomes, player performance, and even per-over predictions.
The police revealed that the group exploited time lag advantages from live telecasts and were collecting huge sums from unsuspecting cricket fans who thought they were simply backing their favourite teams. Most of the betting was happening in cash, avoiding digital footprints and complicating the money trail.
IPL Betting Rackets: A Growing Concern Nationwide
This isn’t an isolated incident. Similar crackdowns have occurred recently in Mohali, where three men were arrested with betting slips and ₹47,000 in cash. In Delhi, police unearthed a racket involving ₹28 lakh in stakes and arrested five suspects linked to a national network of illegal online gambling.
The Chandigarh racket appears to be part of a larger syndicate taking advantage of the IPL’s soaring popularity. Authorities say this might just be the tip of the iceberg, as they now look into deeper financial links and digital trails that could expose a nationwide betting web.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
A case has been registered under Sections 3 and 4 of the Punjab Gambling Act, and the investigation is ongoing to trace the higher-ups and financial beneficiaries. Police sources hint that some of the arrested men may be mere foot soldiers in a broader and better-organized betting cartel.
As India’s love for cricket grows, so do the dangers of illegal betting syndicates feeding off fan enthusiasm. Law enforcement agencies are stepping up surveillance and urging citizens to report suspicious activities during the IPL and other major sporting events.
